6 Habits to Give Yourself a Winter Energy Boost

If winter tends to zap your energy, you’re not alone. Thankfully, a few simple adjustments in your routines and habits can help give you a much-needed winter energy boost — or at least help you shift your mindset for today. (Start by talking to your doctor if you suspect you have a health issue.)

1. Get some sun.

If sunshine is in short supply where you live, it’s even more important to find ways to embrace it when you can this time of year. A dose of sunshine is good for your immune system and helps you get a bit of vitamin D, too.

If you’re able to have some flexibility with your schedule, take a break from work during the sunniest time of day, then bundle up and get outside. Sunshine is a proven mood booster — and a winter energy boost — and it might make you feel a little warmer, too!

2. Even if you have to fake it.

For much of the Northern Hemisphere, sunshine is scarce before the Spring Equinox. If you’re craving the sun but can’t hop a flight to the nearest tropical beach (like most of us!), consider getting a lamp or light box to mimic sunshine. These sun lamps (thankfully) filter out most UV light, so you aren’t going to get a tan or sunburn. They may help boost your mood, and they certainly brighten a room for a bonus winter energy boost!

3. Don’t overdo it on the coffee.

If your energy levels are lower in winter, you might be tempted to turn to coffee more often than usual. But most of us know that drinking extra coffee can be a fine line to balance, turning a winter energy boost into a jittery regret. Instead of a pot of regular coffee, brew a pod of Good Morning Sunshine™ Coffee + Adaptogens — it fights fatigue with more than just caffeine. Smooth, delicious Fair Trade coffee gives you the caffeine you crave, while organic red ginseng extract delivers adaptogenic benefits to manage stress with every cup.*

4. Adjust your expectations.

You are not separate from nature or the universe. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, you are a universe that craves balance. That means, when everything around you slows down in winter, it’s OK for you to do the same. It doesn’t make you a failure or lazy. It makes you human! This time of year, scale back and expect less from yourself. Listen to your internal body clock! Take more time to read, to rest and to replenish yourself. Once spring comes, you might find you’re back in a “growth” mindset.

5. Change up your routine.

As you know, the goal of TCM is to maintain balance in all aspects of life. Every season, as the elements and world around us shift, so will our needs and cravings. Listen to your body: Nature tells us this is a time to slow down and rest more when we can. Too cold for an outdoor run? Give your body a warm, relaxing yoga session instead. Can’t stomach your usual lunchtime salad? Savor warm soup or a comforting stew! What’s “right” for you in summer might not be the same in winter — but there’s nothing “wrong” with you if you don’t feel like keeping up with your usual habits or want to change them.

6. Turn in early.

The days are shorter, colder and darker for now, making winter the perfect time to work on your sleep habits. If you’re not consistently getting the seven-plus hours of shuteye that adults need, make it a goal to achieve by the end of winter. Consistent healthy sleep might give you a winter energy boost, since sleep is your body’s “reset” button.

Start by making Hello Dreams™ Sleep Strips with Melatonin and Calm Down™ herbal blend part of your evening routine. Simply place one on your tongue, about five to 10 minutes before you want to go to sleep, then swallow and say “good night.” They’re formulated to help you fall asleep, stay asleep or fall back to sleep and wake up rejuvenated.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.